How to prune and shape a white magnolia? A detailed guide to the methods that you will understand at a glance

1. Branch bending. It can be done all year round, mainly on side branches or the small branches on side branches. By bending the branches to open up the branch angle (70 to 90), the branch direction is changed, promoting new branch growth and flower bud formation.

2. Branch bending by hand. During its vigorous growth period, for relatively upright side branches, start from the base of the branch and bend it by hand toward a more open space until there is a slight crack on the back of the branch. Repeat once again after one week.

3. Breaking the tip. During the vigorous growth period, pierce or cut the young tender terminal bud of a vigorously growing branch with a needle or blade, or bruise it by hand, or simply pull out the growing tip.

4. Pruning. If pruning is truly necessary, it should be done in summer during vigorous growth, choosing a spot with new shoots 3 cm to 5 cm long for the cut. After pruning, immediately seal the wound with a mud ball mixed with fungicide (such as Dexon) and growth hormone (naphthaleneacetic acid), and wrap it tightly on the outside with a small plastic film.

5. Chemical control method. During the peak growth period, spray the whole plant with 1500 ppm paclobutrazol. Depending on the situation, the above methods can be used alone or in combination, such as bending branches after breaking the tip; bending branches after treatment with paclobutrazol; or using branch bending, pruning, and branch bending by hand together, etc.